One of Our Grandsons Robbed at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY

City of Watertown, NY, as seen from Thompson Park. It's hard to believe the crime
 that has been happening here in recent years.  photo by Gary Walts

Watertown City Police released the following regarding the robbery of one of our grandsons at Thompson Park: 

Media Release
06/08/2024

Members of our uniformed patrol division responded to Thompson Park on 06/08/2024 at 2:25 am for a robbery. It is alleged that Jayden Holt, Jiovanni Chambers, and a 17-year-old juvenile female brandished a knife at Jacob Shipps, engaged in a physical altercation with him, and stole his money, credit cards, and car. It is also alleged that Jayden drove the victim’s vehicle while intoxicated, struck another motor vehicle, and then struck a stone wall on Park Dr where he was taken into custody.

Jayden Holt, an 18-year-old male residing at 9 Champion St in Carthage, NY, was charged with Robbery in the first degree, a class B felony, two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, class E felonies, Driving While Intoxicated, a misdemeanor, and Fleeing an Officer in a Motor Vehicle, a class A misdemeanor.

Jiovanni Chambers, a 19-year-old male residing at 395 Gaffney Dr in Watertown, NY, was charged with Robbery in the first degree, a class B felony, two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, class E felonies.

The 17-year-old female was charged with Robbery in the first degree, a class B felony, two counts of Grand Larceny in the fourth degree, class E felonies.

They are being held pending arraignment in Watertown City Court.

The Watertown Police Department were assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the New York State Police, the Jefferson County Probation Department, Guilfoyle Emergency Medical Service, and Watertown City Fire Department.

Joseph A. Giaquinto
Detective Sergeant

Stone wall at foot of Thompson Park after car thief crashed Jake's car into it.

Jake went to the park to meet a girl whom he had met online. When he got there he was assaulted and threatened with a knife. Assailants demanded his money, debit card and car keys. They also wanted his phone. Somehow Jake managed to get away with his phone and called 911. Police arrived and a car chase ensued. The robbers crashed Jake's car into a stone wall, totaling the vehicle. Clearly to us Jake was lured into a robbery / car jacking situation. 

It is unbelievable to us that such an incident could happen here. We are thankful for the quick police response and thankful Jake wasn't seriously injured. 

Snow Sculptures and Cold Weather

 

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

This afternoon I snapped a few photos of snow scultors working at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY.  The temperature was in single or negative digits. Not sure. Overnight the temperature went down to 31 below zero. At this writing at 10:00pm it is now 19 degrees in Chaumont. No matter what, It was cold work outdoors today. 

This day is also the 4th day that the Better Half has been home from the Carthage Rehabilitation Center. She is doing very well. Now all to sleep on her side, either side, which is a major improvement. However, doing so makes her broken leg quite sore. At least it's bearable and we see progress, light at the end of the tunnel. 

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Snow sculpturing at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY, a Snowtown Festival event.

Guitar Gig for ARC and Price of Gas Today September 8, 2022

Thursday, September 8, 2022.

Today I had a guitar gig at  The Arc Jefferson St. Lawrence annual fund raising event, Sunset at the Park. The event is held at Thompson Park, Watertown, NY. 

I arrived at 3:30, played 4:30 to 6:00. I was followed by musician Sara Ada. Sara is a wonderful singer and ukulele player. 

Me during guitar gig at  The Arc Jefferson St. Lawrence annual fund raising event, Sunset at the Park.

Earlier in the day I mowed the lawn. 

The price of gas has been outrageously high here in Northern NY for quite a few months. Today I fueled up at the Valero pumps at the store in Dexter. Price was $4.09 a gallon. down from $4.39 a gallon a few days ago. 

Price of gas today, Sept. 8, 2022, in Dexter, NY.